Multifunction Color Inkjet Printers

Multifunction Color Inkjet Printers (MFPs)
Multifunction printers (MFPs), sometimes called all-in-ones, are the highly flexible workhorses of the home office and small office world since they can be called upon for a variety different functions outside of printing, including copying, scanning and sometimes faxing. Despite some challenging times in the printer market, primarily due to the recession, sales of laser color MFPs are expected to grow about 12 percent through 2013, according to a report from Lyra Research. Prices for an entry-level MFP start at about $100, but can easily cost more as more features are packed into the printer and you get into models that use multiple ink cartridges.

Some examples of newer color MFPs include:

• Canon's Pixma MG8120, a member of the company's Pixma line of photo printers that offers several key features, including: Canon's Intelligent Touch System with an adjustable 3.5-inch LCD, a film adapter unit, front side USB port, six individual ink cartridges, two-way paper feeding, and built-in networking.

• Kodak's ESP 9250, the new leader in the company's all-in-one photo printer lineup that replaces the previous ESP 9 series systems. This latest entry sports a redesigned control panel with a 2.4-inch LCD, wireless photo printing, a print resolution up to 9600 dpi, a 40-sheet dedicated photo tray and a built-in card reader. Add to this Kodak's low total ink replacement cost factor, which will save you an average $110 a year on ink, based on Kodak tests that involved a mix of printing activities (52% black text documents, 35% mixed color graphics and 13% photos utilizing standard ink cartridges).

• HP's e-All-in-One D110, which incorporates HP'sTouchSmart LCD, Wi-Fi connectivity, a 4800x1200 optimized dpi print resolution, a built-in memory card reader, an 80-sheet paper cassette and 12 ppm laser-quality print speed. The printer comes pre-loaded with 14 applications, and includes HP's ePrint platform that lets users print to the printer from any application, any device, anywhere by giving the new printer a unique email address.